Last month, two of Washington state’s finest – Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Dom Calata and Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha – were tragically shot and killed in the line of duty protecting and serving the communities they called home.

For years, these two men put on their uniform, hugged their kids and kissed their wives, and went to work to keep us safe each day – not knowing if they would ever walk back through that door. Deputy Calata and Officer Rocha made the ultimate sacrifice, and my heart breaks for their grieving families and the families of the other 685 officers killed in the line of duty since 2021.

Sadly, anti-police rhetoric has infected the hearts and minds of many in this country who believe police officers are the enemy. But they’re not. They are heroes. Now more than ever, we need to fund the police and give them the resources they need to keep us safe and to make it home safe to their families. 

Because this is America, and we must do better. We cannot allow these assaults on our law enforcement to continue. Tonight, I spoke in support of the heroes who put on the uniform for our communities and honored the lives of those who have fallen. My heart goes out to all those grieving such a tragic loss, and I pray that God keeps watch over all those still serving.

You can watch my tribute here.